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Madrid

The political, cultural and economic capital of Espana, and our home away from home. The second largest city in the EU, Madrid is known for its elegant boulevards, historic buildings, great food, expansive parks. If there is a city that never sleeps, it is Madrid. Dinner does not start before 8pm and parties do not really start before 1am. If you are looking to take pictures with world-famous landmarks or lay around on a beach, then Barcelona or Paris may be better suited for you. If you're looking to be a Spaniard for a few days, explore rich history, eat great food, enjoy beautiful architecture, and party until the sunrise then Madrid is your destination. Plan at least 2-3 nights, and try to visit in warmer days so you can enjoy the beautiful weather outdoors. 

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Where to Stay:

  • Anywhere near the historic center is a great choice. Some of our favorite neighborhoods include:

  • Puerta del Sol (city center): Centrally located and close to all the action in Madrid.

  • Lavapies: A historic neighborhood just south of the city center with an international vibe and affordable accommodation.

  • La Latina: Another historic neighborhood with plenty of restaurant and bar options. In close proximity to all of Madrid has to offer.

  • Gran Via: If you love shopping, this is where you want to be.

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Where/What to Eat:

One of very few cities where you won't have any trouble eating well (compared say to Paris!), but here are our absolute favorites in no particular order, many of which are more than a 100 years old establishments:

  • You must have (more than once if you can) Churros con Chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés.

  • Follow in the footsteps of Hemingway (and us), stand at the bar, and have a glass or two of sherry with an olives tapa at La Venencia bar. Thank me later!

  • Madrid is not exactly known for its sweets, but a visit to the 1894 La Mallorquina pastry shop will leave you wondering.

  • Try fried pigs ears (Oreja ala plancha) at Casa Tony.

  • Try traditional Spanish dishes at Casa Salvador where bullfighters used to frequent before and after their fights.

  • Have delicious roasted chicken and cider at the historic Casa Mingo.

  • Going strong since 1892, Bodega de La Ardosa is a tavern known for its perfectly served pilsners, Spanish vermouth on tap, salmorejo (a cold tomato soup topped with hard-boiled egg and ham), ham croquettes, and tortilla de patatas, and anchovies on tomatoe bread. You must try the tortilla pastas every chance you get, but especially here.

  • You must also have Jamon Iberico de Belotta every chance you get.

  • Eat your way through the historic Mercado San Miguel. 

  • Misión Café for some excellent coffee concoctions and delicious pastries. 

  • If you like tripe soup, try Callos a la Madrileña at the historic Lhardy (since 1839).

  • Try some out of this world shrimp with garlic or shrimp a la plancha at La Casa Del Abuelo on Calle de La Cruz

  • Try suckling pig (Cochinillo Asado) at the world's oldest restaurant, Botin. 

  • Try peasant food turned into a Mardid favorite, Cocido Madrileño, at Labola (6th generation establishment). A stew is served in either two or three courses, starting with the rich broth (made from chicken, beef, pork, chorizo, blood sausage, potatoes, chickpeas and more!) with little noodles. Next, you’ll have the meats and vegetables (sometimes in two separate courses). On the side you can expect sauteed cabbage, pickled peppers, and sometimes homemade tomate frito (fried tomato sauce). 

  • Try delicious croquetas with a glass of beer at Casa Labra (opened since 1860)

  • Have some delicious mushrooms at Meson del Champinon. 

  • Have a drink at the 1862 dry bar where they serve great classic cocktails.

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What to Do:

  • Take the metro, or walk, to Puerta del Sol. Walk around the city center in a any direction. Enjoy the historic buildings, eat great food, window shop and enjoy people watching. Explore the neighborhoods of La Latina, Opera, Salamanca and Gran Via. 

  • Bar hop and do a tapas tour. Have a drink and a bite at the restaurant recommended above, or wherever your nose/eyes may take you.

  • Take in the exquisite are scene at the Museo Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum.

  • Spend an afternoon at the Retiro Park which ws founded in the 16th century. Explore the crystal palace, catch an open air concert, do a picnic, or take a paddle boat into the pond. 

  • Spend a Sunday morning exploring the flea market El Rastro, which dates back to the 15th century. 

  • Checkout casa Cibeles and gorgeous Cibeles palace. 

  • Enjoy some arts at circulo de bellas artes then grab a drink at their wonderful rooftop bar. Madrid has many rooftop bars that can be enjoyed especially during warmer days.

  • Catch a futbol game at the Santiago bernabeu stadium (Real Madrid) or at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium (Atletico).

  • Experience a bullfight at Las Vintas (Disclaimer: can get messy).

  • Catch the sunset at the Temple of Debod.

  • Catch a dinner, or a drink, and flamenco show.

  • Take a day trip into the historic walled town of Toledo (used to be the capital of Spain)

  • Take a day trip into the historic Roman town of Segovia. Try the Cochinillo Asado at Jose Maria restaurant which originated there .

  • Take a day trip to El Escorial and checkout a 16th-century park and palace created by King Philip II. This town contains the 16th-century Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, with royal tombs. 

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Barcelona

Details Soon

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Andalusia

Details Soon

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San Sebastian

Details Soon

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